Holiday Shopping Markets

Published: 10/17/2011

With the holidays right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about everyone’s Christmas wish list. These holiday shopping markets can help you find something special for everyone—even that holiday Grinch!

Kiwanis Christmas Arts & Crafts Show

November 4-6
Don’t wait for the day after Thanksgiving to start your Christmas shopping, get a head-start at the 40th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Arts & Crafts Show. Featuring arts and crafts from expert artisans, this is one of the largest arts and handicraft fairs in Southwest Louisiana. Check out the sneak preview, gumbo and silent auction on Friday from 6–9 p.m. Weekend hours are Saturday from 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event takes place at the Lake Charles Civic Center, 900 Lakeshore Drive. For more information, call (337) 532-3839.

Mistletoe and Moss Holiday MarketNovember 16–19
Just in time for the holiday season, mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market. A holiday tradition in the Lake Area, this year’s market will feature over 80 merchants from around the country, showcasing apparel, gifts, and accessories for women, men, and children; specialty foods; and seasonal, as well as year-round, decorative items and home furnishings.

But it’s not just the unique shopping that brings people back year after year. The Market also features great food from local eateries and festive holiday entertainment from local schools and groups that will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit!

Get a jump start on holiday shopping at the Preview Party Gala featuring cuisine from the finest area restaurants plus cocktails, auction items and live entertainment on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 7–10 p.m. Or hit the aisle before the crowds on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Preferred Shoppers Breakfast from 9-11 a.m. A delicious breakfast buffet will be served by L'Auberge du Lac Casino Resort.

Don’t miss the perfect girls’ night out at Mistletoe & Moss' Ladies Night 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18 featuring a wine tasting and delicious appetizers by local caterers.

Set your alarm clocks and bring the kids for Donuts with Santa on Saturday, Nov. 19, with three seat areas at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and Cookies with Santa at 2 p.m. Your kids will be the first in town to get to tell Santa what’s on their wish list and even get their picture taken with Santa in his sleigh!

Raffle tickets will be sold for $5 this year at the market entry. Enter for three chances to win fabulous prizes! First prize is a three-night trip for two at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Second prize is an Apple iPad donated by Capital One Bank and third prize is a ladies' fragrance basket donated by Dillards.

Make sure to catch the holiday spirit with the sights and sounds of the holidays at this year’s Mistletoe and Moss Holiday Market! General Marketplace hours are Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.¬–9 p.m.; and Saturday 9a.m.–5 p.m. Admission is $8 per person, and children eight and younger get in free. On Thursday, Nov. 18, there will be no stroller fee. For more information on event availability or admission contact the Junior League of Lake Charles, Inc. office at (337) 436-4025 or visit www.jllc.net.

Sulphur’s Holiday House & Christmas Under the OaksDecember 2–4

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, then head on over to Sulphur’s Christmas Under the Oaks Festival where it snows every year! Located at the Brimstone Museum complex, 923 Ruth Street, Heritage Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, holly wreaths and yes, even snow!

Get an early start on Christmas Shopping at The Holiday House open Dec. 2–4 from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. featuring more than 25 different shops with Christmas decorations, ornaments and more that will make it easy to deck your halls! The Brimstone Historical Society will also be unveiling its eighth ornament in the Sulphur Ornament Series. It will be available for purchase at the Henning Cultural Center desk for $15. Ornaments from previous years are available as well, though on a limited basis.

With great food, music, parades, shopping and Santa Claus, it’s easy to see why the Christmas Under the Oaks is a holiday favorite! For more information on Sulphur’s Christmas events, contact the Henning Cultural Center at 337-527-0357. For details on Christmas events in Southwest Louisiana, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/cajunchristmas or contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-456-7952.